5 Best Water Filters in Australia

If you're like most Aussies, you probably take pride in our country's natural beauty and resources. But here's the thing – even in the lucky country, our tap water isn't always as pure as we'd like it to be.

Whether you're in Sydney dealing with occasional algae blooms, Brisbane battling severe storms-related water quality issues, or Perth managing hard water problems, having a reliable water filter has become essential for many Australian households in 2025.

In this article, we’ll dive into the key factors to consider when selecting the perfect water filter for your home and explore some top-rated products.

Australia's water infrastructure varies greatly from city to bush. While our water treatment plants meet basic safety standards , several factors affect what actually comes out of your tap:

Most of our homes, especially those found in the old suburbs, are still using the water pipes laid over 50 years ago. The aged water pipes have the potential to leach metals like lead, copper, among other metals, into the drinking water. What comes out of the tap may be carrying something other than H2O.

You may have noticed that chlorine flavor is in the water from the tap. Treatment facilities add chlorine to our water to protect our water from bacteria, but the chlorine leaves behind that strong flavoring and smell.

The chlorine reacts with the organic compounds present in the water to form compounds collectively known as trihalomethanes (THMs).

The PFAS problem is so concerning to most communities. The "forever chemicals" have been found to be present in water supplies around military bases and industrial centers around NSW, Queensland, and Victoria.

The issue is that conventional municipal treatment plants weren't constructed to eliminate PFAS very well.

Prolonged droughts focus on pollutants in our water storages, while ash runoff from the aftermath of each fire season brings sediment and pollutants. The intensified weather extremes are increasingly taking their toll on our aged water treatment plants.

Remember the 2019-2020 bushfires? Events like these can temporarily affect water quality across entire regions.

Microplastic components found in tap water from the cities in Australia. On the other hand, fragments of pharmaceuticals and personal care drugs are getting into our water supply through sewage.

Conventional treatment plants weren't exactly constructed to eliminate the new-age pollutants, so the void is filled by home filtration.

With countless water filters on the market, finding the right one for your home isn't easy. Here are the best options for Australian households, based on performance, value, and ease of use.

Best for:

Larger American households (4–6 members) seeking the product that maximum flow rate and superior purification, combined with alkaline mineral enhancement.

Why choose it:

• It boasts an ultra-rapid flow rate of 1200 GPD (Gallons Per Day)..
• The system features comprehensive 11-stage precision filtration, centered around a robust 0.0001μm RO membrane. It reduces over 1,000 impurities including TDS, PFOA, PFOS, chlorine, lead, fluoride, and arsenic.
• Integrated UV sterilization is included to effectively eliminate 99% of bacteria, ensuring water safety.
• It operates with an excellent 3: 1 Pure-to-Drain ratio, which is eco-wise and maximizes water savings.

When setting up the Waterdrop X12, the first thing we notice is the speed. It fills a 6oz cup in 3 seconds. This high flow and the long-lasting 24-month RO filter make maintenance very low-stress.

RO water, while pure, can sometimes taste flat. Waterdrop X12's technology of adding back minerals ensures the resulting water is not just safe, but genuinely refreshing and enjoyable for drinking and cooking.

The inclusion of the Smart Digital Faucet is a huge functional win, as it gives the user continuous, visible feedback on the water’s purity level (TDS) and reminds them when filters need replacing.

This comprehensive system feels like a premium, top-tier investment for a high-demand household

Best for:

Households, particularly those in apartments or offices, who desire a high degree of purification alongside the convenience of instant hot and cold water.

Why choose it:

• It is installation-free (plug-and-play), you only need to fill the feed water tank and plug it..
• It offers cold water cooled down to 41℉ and instant hot water heated up to 203℉.
• The system features a smart control screen (OLED) which displays the real-time TDS value of the water quality.
• The 7-stage filtration process, which includes a 0.0001μm RO membrane and dual UV sterilization.
• It operates with a high Pure-to-Drain ratio of 3: 1.

We particularly appreciate Waterdrop A2's OLED Smart Control Screen. It’s extremely useful to glance over and confirm the current TDS level in real-time. This instant feedback loop gives a palpable sense of assurance regarding water quality.

Sometimes, you just need a cup of boiling water for coffee or tea instantly, or ice-cold water without grabbing ice cubes, and the Waterdrop A2’s approach of linking filtration with precise temperature control and pre-set volumes makes much more sense than relying on multiple appliances.

Best for:

Individuals, smaller households, or those seeking filtration on-the-go (RV/camping), who prioritize fast taste and odor reduction while retaining natural minerals.

Why choose it:

• It is designed with one-key control, enabling instant filtration and 1-second water dispensing.
• The long-lasting filter provides up to 200 gallons or 3 months of filtration.
• Equipped with a built-in battery, it provides an impressive 30-day battery life on a single charge, making it seamless for use in RVs, camping, or simply in the refrigerator door shelf.

We found it far more convenient than traditional pitchers when moving between the kitchen counter. Also, Waterdrop ED01's size fits neatly on the fridge door shelf.

Crucially, it DOES NOT reduce the TDS value. As water experts, we understand that preserving the taste and beneficial natural minerals results in higher TDS readings, sometimes comparable to bottled mineral water.

The Waterdrop ED02 targets harmful substances (like lead and PFOA/PFOS) while intentionally retaining the dissolved minerals.

Best for:

Small families, office setups, or apartment residents that are looking for a convenient, installation-free RO system.

Why choose it:

• It utilizes a 6-stage reverse osmosis filtration process
• Certified by NSF/ANSI 372 for lead-free material, it can reduce TDS, PFOA, PFOS, chlorine, fluoride, arsenic, lead, and various other impurities.
• The system features a compact, plug-and-play design that requires no installation, making it perfect for placing on any countertop in the kitchen, office, or bedroom.
• It boasts a smart digital screen that provides real-time monitoring of temperature, volume, and filter life.
• This RO system operates with an efficient 3: 1 pure-to-drain water ratio, maximizing water savings.

The Waterdrop C1S genuinely feels like an all-in-one water purification machine designed for modern, effortless living.

My family enjoys the functionality to customize water dispensing with five volume options, ranging from a 4oz espresso shot to a full 20oz soup bowl.

Its detachable pure water tank is really convenience, you can easily put it into the refrigerator for chilled, refreshing wate.

Filter replacement is incredibly user-friendly and quick, you can easily make it with a simple twist and pull operation. It only takes just three seconds, no need for any tools or professional help.

Best for:

Families requiring multi-stage filtration who wish to retain essential natural minerals, prioritizing long-lasting filter life.

Why choose it:

• Offers a cost-effective upgrade over single-filter systems by featuring more filters.
• Uses an 8-stage deep filtration system that effectively reduces over 100 harmful substances, including silt, rust, large particles, heavy metals, chlorine, and fluoride.
• NSF/ANSI Standards 42 (for chlorine, taste, and odor reduction) and NSF/ANSI 372 (for low lead content)
• It retains natural minerals while filtering contaminants
• It offers impressive, long-lasting filter life: the PP filter lasts 6 months, the GC filter lasts 8–12 months, and the CT filter lasts 12–18 months.

Many Australian highly recommend Waterdrop TSA system, they think it's a robust solution tailored for general household drinking and cooking needs.

Our team is also impressed with the installation design. It only takes less than 3 minutes with DIY installation. Just easily twist-and-lock design, you can replace the filter in just 3 seconds.

We usually worry about cracking or leaking commonly associated with systems, but you can always trust Waterdrop's product, the system is built for reliability, utilizing a sealed design that prevents internal breeding of contaminants.

Not all filters are the same. Here's what works best for Australian families:

Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: The gold standard for thorough filtration. These systems push water through a semi-permeable membrane, removing virtually everything.

Activated Carbon Filters: Your go-to for improving taste and removing chlorine. Great for city dwellers who mainly want better-tasting water for their morning cuppa.

UV Purification Systems: Essential for rainwater tanks or bore water. UV light destroys bacteria and viruses without chemicals – crucial for rural properties.

Combination Systems: Many modern filters combine technologies. For example, carbon water filters plus UV gives you taste improvement and bacterial protection.

Consider how much water your household needs. Some filters are designed for small households, while others are built to handle larger volumes. The capacity of the filter should align with your water usage.

Be honest about your DIY skills. Some systems need a plumber (budget an extra $150-300), while others are genuinely plug-and-play. Renters should stick to countertop models.

Always look for filters that have been tested and certified by reputable bodies. In Australia, look for NSF-certified products or WaterMark certification , ensuring that the filter meets national standards.

Cheaper filters may need to be replaced frequently, leading to higher costs over time. Investing in a quality filter may save money and improve water quality in the long run.

Basic jug filters start at around $30, while under-sink systems range from $200-$600. Whole house filters cost $1,500-$4,000 installed. Remember to factor in replacement cartridges, which run $20-$100 yearly.

Reverse osmosis systems remove 95-99% of fluoride. Activated alumina filters also work well, removing about 90%. Standard carbon filters won't touch fluoride, cuz it needs specialised technology.

Benchtop and tap-mounted filters are totally DIY-friendly, it's really easy for you to follow the instructions. Undersink filters need basic plumbing skills but many homeowners manage it. Whole-house systems require a licensed plumber. If you're not confident with DIY installation, professional installation costs $120-$200.

Countertop gravity filters or filter jugs are perfect for renters – no installation needed. Tap-mounted filters work too if your tap fits standard adaptors. Portable RO systems offer advanced filtration without plumbing modifications. Avoid anything requiring permanent installation.

Excellent drinking water has TDS below 150 ppm. Good quality ranges from 150-250 ppm. Levels of 250-500 ppm are acceptable but might taste off. Above 500 ppm suggests high mineral content or contamination. Many water filters can directly display the TDS level with the smart screen, like Waterdrop X12 Alkaline RO water filter , Waterdrop A2 hot & cold water dispenser .

Make the right investment in your health and water quality this year. Whether you’re looking for an advanced reverse osmosis system, a convenient countertop solution, or a portable pitcher, Waterdrop always offers reliable high-quality options for your family.